Rotary Cleaning Device for Engine Cylinder Protective Masks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-pressure deburring methods for cleaning protective masks after thermal spraying in engine cylinder barrels are inefficient, with inconsistent quality and long cycle times, leading to increased costs and reduced mask lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A rotary cleaning device with a tool holder that simultaneously cleans the support plane, inner edge, and circular gutter of the mask, using interchangeable tools like brushes and cutting inserts to reduce cleaning time and improve surface quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high-pressure deburring is used to clean protective masks, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cycle time increases and quality becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface quality of maskVSAvoidcycle time for cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is segmented into multiple rotating tools that simultaneously clean different areas of the mask (support surface, inner edge, and circular groove) in one operation, eliminating the need for sequential manual cleaning steps and reducing cycle time while maintaining consistent quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary cleaning device enables continuous cleaning action through rotating tools that constantly contact the mask surfaces, ensuring thorough removal of overspray and burrs without interruption, thereby improving both cleaning effectiveness and throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If very high pressures (50 bar) are applied for cleaning, then burr removal effectiveness is improved, but operational costs increase and mask lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask lifespanVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the high-pressure hydraulic system with a mechanical rotary cleaning system using rotating tools and inserts, eliminating the need for 50 bar pressure while achieving effective burr removal through mechanical contact and rotation, thereby reducing operational costs and extending mask lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning mechanism changes from high-pressure force to rotational mechanical action with controlled contact, altering the physical parameters of the cleaning process to achieve the same cleaning effect at lower operational pressure and reduced cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3347144B1Method and apparatus for cleaning a protective mask for an upper face of a cylinder housing

Publication Date: 2023.05.17 RENAULT SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for cleaning a cylindrical mask (1) for protecting an upper surface of the crankcase during the thermal projection of the engine cylinder barrels, which involves simultaneously cleaning the bearing plane (1a) of the mask (1) on the upper surface of the crankcase, and the inside edge of the cylindrical mask resting on the crankcase, using a rotary apparatus.